U.S. Men's Soccer Lets 2012 Olympic Berth Slip Through Their Fingers

The U.S. Men's U-23 team had the talent to make a big impact in the 2012 Olympics in London. Things looked promising after a 6-0 demolition of Cuba. But their next game against Canada showcased something different. The U.S. was outplayed in every aspect of the game in a 2-0 loss to the Canadians. The Americans looked inept offensively and had huge holes defensively. The Canadians' win over the U.S. was their first since 1992.

The U.S. loss meant they had to beat El Salvador to avoid elimination from Olympic qualifying. The Americans began well when Brek Shea's cross found Terrence Boyd for the cross range volley to get the U.S. off the schneid. However, things took a turn for the worse when American goalkeeper Bill Hamid tweaked his left ankle. Either Hamid refused to come off or coach Caleb Porter didn't think it was serious enough to require a subbing, but either way the U.S. paid the price. Within six minutes, El Salvador scored twice to take the lead. Porter then subbed in backup Sean Johnson for the injured Hamid. The U.S. though found the equalizer and took the lead 3-2 when Joe Corona found the net in the 68th minute.

The U.S. held off El Salvador through to the end of the regular time. The game was rough on both sides, so as a result, there was 4 minutes of stoppage time added. The Americans continued to do well holding the lead and even had a few opportunities to score of their own. As the seconds ticked away, El Salvador rushed the ball up field to get one last chance. El Salvadorian Jamie Alas took a deep, low shot that hit U.S. keeper Sean Johnson in the hands. However, he played the ball wrong, and it flipped over his body and into the net.

The final whistle blew, and the score was tied. El Salvador's last second heroics ended the U.S. Olympic dreams. Johnson played well as a backup, but he will be remembered by the fumble that cost the U.S. the game. It really isn't his fault at all though. This team had the talent, but didn't show it consistently. The loss to Canada is inexcusable and so is the overall lack of urgency at the end of the El Salvador game. The Americans will have to watch from across the pond as other teams compete for a gold medal that could have been theirs. The U.S. will be missing the Olympics for only the second time since 1976. Today has certainly been a disappointing day for U.S. soccer and this team.